Fiber strand and implantable supporting body having a fiber strand

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a fiber strand ( 10 ) for an implantable supporting body ( 100 ) comprising at least two individual fibers ( 12 ). The at least two individual fibers ( 12 ) are each shorter in their longitudinal extent than the longitudinal extent ( 14 ) of the fiber strand, and in their transverse extent they are each thinner than the transverse extent ( 16 ) of the fiber strand.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/480,683, filed Jun. 9, 2009, which claims benefit of priority toGerman patent application number DE 10 2008 002 641.7, filed on Jun. 25,2008; the contents of each are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a fiber strand and an implantable supportingbody having a fiber strand including at least two fibers that are eachshorter in their longitudinal extent than the longitudinal extent of thefiber strand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today's implantable supporting bodies, so-called stents, are limitedwith regard to their mechanical possibilities. For example, nostructures representing the physiological needs of the surroundingtissue have been implementable according to the previous methods. Radialor longitudinal forces or forces occurring differently in sections ofthe implant could in the past be imitated and simulated onlyindividually by an implant but not as a totality, which is why thefunction and compatibility of such implants are limited.

The purpose of many endoprostheses is to assume a supporting functioninside a patient's body. Accordingly, endoprostheses are designed to beimplantable and have a supporting structure, which guarantees thesupporting function. Implants made of solid metallic structures areknown. The choice of metals as the material for the supporting structureof such an implant is based on empirical values from classical mechanicsand their relatively well-controlled biocompatibility.

Metallic stents are known in large numbers and in various embodiments.For example, US 2006/0212055 A1 discloses various embodiments of stentscomprising individual fibers, for example. One of the main areas ofapplication of such stents is for permanent dilatation of vascularocclusions, in particular stenoses of the coronary vessels and formaintaining their patency. Through the use of stents, the optimumvascular cross section required for primary therapeutic success can beachieved, but the permanent presence of such a foreign body initiates acascade of microbiological processes, which may lead to a gradualocclusion of the stent.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to create a fiber strand and animplantable supporting body having a fiber strand to improve upon theproblems associated with the state of the art. Likewise, a method formanufacturing a supporting body is also to be provided.

This object is achieved according to the present invention by thefeatures of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments andadvantages of the invention are derived from the additional claims andthe description.

The invention is directed to a fiber strand comprising at least twoindividual fibers. It is proposed that the at least two individualfibers shall each be shorter in the longitudinal extent of eachindividual fiber than the longitudinal extent of the fiber strand andthat the transverse extent of the individual fibers shall be thinnerthan the transverse extent of the fiber strand in a product formed fromthe fiber strand in the individual case. A fiber strand having readilycontrollable and predictable properties can be produced through asuitable choice of materials and through a selected processing density.Depending on the processing density, the fiber strand may be designed tobe more or less flexible, have more or less mechanical strength, be moreor less low-stretch and/or more or less hard. The mechanical propertiesmay also be characterized differently in different directions. Dependingon the composition of the fiber strand, the chemical stability may beadjusted in a targeted manner. Erosion and medication, if desired, maybe adjusted in a targeted manner by means of different fiber structuresand/or their composition. The longitudinal and transverse extents of thefiber strand are preferably understood to be the dimensions, whichcorrespond to the longitudinal and transverse extent of the fiber strandin this product in the event of further processing to a preferredimplantable supporting body and/or to a preferred supporting structure.A fiber body may be formed from the fiber strand by reshaping the fiberstrand or by joining more than one fiber strand, preferably at least twofiber strands.

It is advantageously possible to create a controllable and individuallyadjustable supporting structure.

The ratio of the longitudinal extent of the individual fiber to thefiber strand longitudinal extent may preferably be in the range between2:1 and 200,000:1, especially between 10:1 and 100,000:1. The ratio ofthe transverse extent of the individual fiber to the transverse extentof the fiber strand may preferably be in the range between 2:1 and200,000:1, preferably between 10:1 and 100,000:1. The ratio of thelongitudinal extent may be unrelated to the ratio of the transverseextent. Due to the preferably very short lengths and/or diameters of theindividual fibers in comparison with the dimensions of a preferredsupporting body formed from the fiber strand, the desired mechanicalproperties can be adjusted especially easily. In addition, a widevariety of materials can be combined. A large surface area can becreated to accommodate drugs in the fiber strand. To have positivemedical effects locally and/or regionally, a biologically activesubstance and/or material may also be introduced in fiber form to inducelocal and/or regional medically positive effects.

According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the individualfibers may comprise a material from the group of carbon and carbonaceousmaterial. In particular carbon fibers may be used, polymers or organicor semiorganic materials. Semiorganic materials are materials thatoriginate from organisms that were alive at one time or structures basedon them.

According to another advantageous embodiment, at least one of theindividual fibers may be formed from a metallic material comprising atleast one member/element from the group of Fe, Cr, Co, Wo, Ni, Zn, Mg,Ti, Mn, Pt, Mo, Ta, Ir, Ag, Au in crystalline, partially crystallineand/or amorphous structure. Pure materials and/or alloys and/orcompounds of one or more of the members of the group may be provided.The individual fibers may consist of an amorphous metal and/or alloy,e.g., metallic glasses, for example.

According to another advantageous embodiment, at least one of theindividual fibers may be formed from at least one ceramic materialcomprising at least one member/element from the group of Br, I, Zr, Al,N, F, Si, Ga, Ti, O, Au, Ag in crystalline, partially crystalline and/oramorphous structure. Pure materials and/or alloys and/or compounds ofone or more of the members of the group may be provided.

Likewise, an embodiment comprising a mixture of individual fibersselected from at least two of the aforementioned groups may also bepossible. A wide variety of materials may thus be combined easily in theform of individual fibers. The fiber strand formed in this way can beoptimized accordingly through a suitable combination of individualfibers having desired properties.

Parts of this blend and/or combination of individual fibers may alreadyconsist of medically active materials and/or medically active substancesmay be incorporated into individual fibers and/or remodeling products ordegradation products may achieve positive medical effects.

The fiber strand may be impregnated with a matrix material, which maysurround the individual fibers. The matrix material may preferablycomprise at least one substance from the group of drugs, polymers,drug-loaded polymers, drug-loaded biodegradable and/or bioresorbablepolymers, in particular at least one substance from the group of lipidregulators (fibrates), immunosuppressants, vasodilators (sartans),calcium channel blockers, calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus),antiphlogistics (cortisone, diclofenac), anti-inflammatories(imidazoles), anti-allergies, oligo-nucleotides (dODN), estrogens(genistein), endothelializing agents (fibrin), steroids,proteins/peptides, prolif-eration inhibitors, analgesics andantirheumatics, paclitaxel, rapamycin, loaded polymers, nonresorbablepermanent polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, polyacrylates (polyethyl acrylate and polymethyl acrylate,polymethyl methacrylate, polymethyl-co-ethyl acrylate, ethylene/ethylacrylate), poly-tetrafluoroethylene (ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylenecopolymer, ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer), poly-amides(polyamideimide, PA-11, PA-12, PA-46, PA-66), polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, poly(iso)butylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride,polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, polybutylene terephthalate, silicones,poly-phosphazene, polymer foams (e.g., from carbonates, styrenes) aswell as the copolymers and blends of the classes listed and/or the classof thermoplastics and elastomers in general and/or polymers loaded withresorbable/bioresorbable/degradable polymers such as polydioxanone,polyglycolide, polycaprolactone, polylactides [poly-L-lactide,poly-D,L-lactide and copolymers as well as blends such aspoly(L-lactide-co-glycolide), poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide),poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide), poly(L-lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate)], triblock copolymers, polysaccharides [chitosan, levan,hyaluronic acid, heparin, dextran, cellulose, etc.),polyhydroxy-valerate, ethylvinyl acetate, polyethylene oxide,poly-phosphorylcholine, fibrin, albumin, polyhydroxybutyric acid(atactic, isotactic, syndiotactic and blends thereof), etc.

One or more drugs can be incorporated into a local, regional and/orsystemic treatment by means of a product formed from the fiber strand byusing carrier substances. Suitable carrier substances include degradableor nondegradable polymers, fats or other organic compounds, e.g.,sugars, proteins, etc. One or more drugs may also be incorporateddirectly in the form of coatings or through the use of cavities, e.g.,between the individual fibers. Depending on the fiber composition, thechemical stability may be adjusted in various ways in the form oferosion. The polymer may advantageously be formed from at least onemonomer from the group of lactides, glycolides, paradioxanone,caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, blends thereof and copolymersthereof. These are preferably biodegradable substances, so that abiodegradable product, e.g., an implantable supporting body, can beproduced from the fiber strand.

The individual fibers may preferably be twisted, braided and/or woven toform the fiber strand. They thus form an intimate bond with a surfacearea of an adjustable size. The mechanical properties of the fiberstrand can be adjusted, depending on the type of mechanical bond and theindividual fiber material.

The fiber strand may advantageously be processed to form a fiber body ina three-dimensional shape, e.g., a tube, or in a flat shape, e.g., asheet, or as a ribbon, e.g., as a cord. The fiber body embodied as acord may comprise one or more cords; likewise, the fiber body may beformed of multiple fiber strands or cords or the fiber strand is formeddirectly as a band or tube.

A fiber body formed as a tube may advantageously form the load-bearingstructure of an implantable supporting body. Alternatively, theload-bearing structure of a preferred implantable supporting body may beformed from a suitable combination of at least two cords. Differentcords with a different composition of their individual fibers, differentdrug loading or none at all and/or different mechanical embodiments maybe joined together.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fiber strand may be formed sothat a sheath comprising one or more cords is arranged around a core.The core may be formed from one or more cords. The sheath may be formedfrom a material having at least one core enclosed by a sheath. Thesheath and/or core may also be formed from cord.

The individual fibers of the fiber strand can be joined togethermechanically, e.g., by braiding, weaving, knotting, twisting and thelike. Further processing of the fiber strand to a fiber body can befacilitated in this way. The fiber body, embodied as a tube, mat or thelike in particular, may be cut to size with predetermined dimensions asdesired.

The fiber body embodied as a cord may be treated with a matrix material,if necessary. This may also take place after formation of the cord or inthe production of the fiber strands. It is likewise conceivable forimpregnated cords to be further processed, e.g., to form another cordand for the finished cord to also be treated with a matrix material. Thematrix material for the fiber strand and/or the fiber body formed fromthe fiber strand and/or the cord may comprise at least one substancefrom the group of drugs, polymers, drug-loaded polymers, drug-loadedbiodegradable polymers. The polymer may be formed from at least onemonomer from the group of lactides, glycolides, paradioxanone,caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, mix-tures thereof, copolymersthereof.

Preferred polymers for the polymer matrix of the inventive implant areselected in particular from the group:

-   -   nonresorbable/permanent polymers:    -   polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl        methacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polytetrafluoro-ethylene,        polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, polybutylene terephthalate,        silicones, polyphosphazenes, as well as their copolymers and        blends;    -   resorbable/bioresorbable/degradable polymers:    -   polydioxanone, polyglycolide, polycaprolactone, poly-lactides        (poly-L-lactide, poly-D,L-lactide and copolymers as well as        blends, e.g., poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide),        poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lact-ide),        poly(L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate, triblock copolymers),        polysaccharides (chitosan, levan, hyaluronic acid, heparin,        dextran, cellulose, etc.), polyhydroxy-valerate, ethylvinyl        acetate, polyethylene oxide, poly-phosphorylcholine, fibrin,        albumin.

The cord may be treated by impregnation or sheathing, e.g., by spraying,dipping and the like in the case of the fiber strand and/or the fiberbody, for example.

According to another aspect of the invention an implantable supportingbody having a fiber strand with at least one of the features describedabove is proposed. The mechanical and chemical properties of thesupporting body can be adjusted in a targeted manner. The mechanicalproperties can be characterized differently in different directionsthrough the use of the preferred fiber strand, e.g., in the form of atube or strand. Depending on the composition of the fiber strand, thestability of the supporting body with respect to chemical attacks can beadjusted in a targeted manner. Erosion and medication, if desired, canbe adjusted in a targeted manner through different cords or throughcompositions of one or more drugs that vary within one cord.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturingan implantable supporting body is proposed in which the following stepsare performed:

-   -   providing a cord and/or a fiber strand, and    -   cutting the cord and/or the fiber strand to size,    -   shaping the cord and/or the fiber strand after cutting,    -   twisting, braiding or weaving the components listed above        together to form the final geometry.

The cord and/or fiber strand can be cut to size by means of lasercutting, water jet cutting or other suitable means.

The cord and/or the fiber strand may advantageously be treated with by amatrix material. This may be accomplished by impregnating and/orsheathing, e.g., by means of spraying, dipping and the like.

The cord and fiber strand may be shaped and/or processed further to adesired final geometry after being cut.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a-c show an overhead view of a preferred strip-like fiber strand(FIG. 1 a) illustrating individual fibers of the fiber strand (FIG. 1 b)as well as a detail of a fiber strand.

FIGS. 2 a, b show a cross section through a preferred fiber body in theform of a tube (FIG. 2 a) formed from the cord and fiber strands and adetail of the tube (FIG. 2 b).

FIGS. 3 a-d show various views of components of a fiber strand having acore and a sheath.

FIGS. 4 a, b show a detail of a fiber body (FIG. 4 a) in the form offiber strands and a detail of the fiber body (FIG. 4 b).

FIG. 5 shows a preferred supporting body of a preferred fiber strand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention is explained in greater detail below as an example on thebasis of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings in schematicdiagrams.

Elements that are functionally the same or have the same effect are eachlabeled with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figuresshow schematic diagrams of the invention and form nonspecific parametersof the invention. In addition, the figures show only typical embodimentsof the invention and should not restrict the invention to theembodiments depicted here.

To illustrate the invention, FIG. 1 a shows a preferred fiber strand 10which may form the starting material for a preferred implantablesupporting body 100 (FIG. 5) for example. The fiber strand 10 in thisexample is formed by a plurality of individual fibers 12, as emphasizedin FIG. 1 b.

The individual fibers 12 are each much shorter in length than the fiberstructure longitudinal extent 14 and are much thinner in their diameterthan the fiber structure transverse extent 16, even in the case of anout-of-round cross section of the fiber structure 10 (FIG. 1 c). Theindividual fibers 12 are preferably thinner than the width and thicknessof the fiber strand 10. The ratio of longitudinal extent of theindividual fiber to fiber strand longitudinal extent 14 isadvantageously in the range between 2:1 and 200,000:1, preferablybetween 10:1 and 100,000:1, and the ratio of the individual fibertransverse extent to the fiber strand transverse extent 16 is in therange between 2:1 and 200,000:1, preferably between 10:1 and 100,000:1.

The individual fibers 12 may be formed from a first group comprising atleast one member from the group of carbon or carbonaceous materialand/or from metallic materials and/or ceramic materials in pure form,mixed form and in crystalline, partially crystalline or amorphous form.In particular, at least one of the individual fibers 12 may be formedfrom a metallic material comprising at least one member/element from thesecond group Fe, Cr, Co, Wo, Ni, Zn, Mg, Ti, Mn, Pt, Mo, Ta, Ir, Ag, Au;or at least one of the individual fibers 12 may be formed from at leastone ceramic material comprising at least one member/element from thethird group Br, I, Zr, Al, N, F, Si, Ga, Ti, O, Au, Ag. Blends ofindividual fibers 12 from two or more of the three groups mentionedabove are also conceivable.

The individual fibers 12 in the fiber strand 10 may be impregnated witha matrix material 22. The matrix material may be, for example, asubstance from the group of drugs, polymers, drug-loaded polymers,drug-loaded biodegradable polymers. The polymer may be formed by atleast one monomer from the group of lactides, glycolides,paradioxanones, caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, mixtures thereof,copolymers thereof. If the matrix material 22 is loaded with a drug,then rapid or slow release of the drug at the site of use can beachieved, depending on the selected polymer. In particular, preferredpolymers for the polymer matrix of the inventive implant may be selectedfrom the following groups:

-   -   nonresorbable/permanent polymers:    -   polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl        methacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polytetra-fluoroethylene,        polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, poly-butylene terephthalate,        silicones, polyphosphazene, as well as their copolymers and        blends;    -   resorbable/bioresorbable/degradable polymers:    -   polydioxanone, polyglycolide, polycaprolactone, polylactide        (poly-L-lactide, poly-D,L-lactide and copolymers and blends,        such as poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide),        poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide),        poly(L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate, triblock copoly-mers),        polysaccharides (chitosan, levan, hyaluronic acid, heparin,        dextran, cellulose, etc.), polyhydroxyvalerate, ethylvinyl        acetate, polyethylene oxide, poly-phosphorylcholine, fibrin,        albumin.

In an advantageous embodiment of the individual fibers 12, theseindividual fibers 12 may consist of carbon compounds or oxide compounds,e.g., titanium oxide with diameters in the range of 0.05 μm to 500 μm,preferably around 1 μm. A fiber strand 10 may be braided from theindividual fibers 12 and then used to create a fiber body, e.g., in theform of a fiber cord 30, which may be formed as tubes 42. This isillustrated in FIG. 2 a as an example as a cross section through thetubes 42. The individual fibers 12 may optionally also be joinedtogether directly to form the tubes 42.

FIG. 2 b shows a detail of the sheathing of the tubes 42. The sheathingof the tubes 42 may be formed from cord 30 (unpatterned cross sections)and from individual fibers 12 (patterned cross sections). The tubes 42may serve as a supporting body of a stent, for example, and may becompressed to a smaller diameter for insertion at the intended site.Only at the target site are the final mechanical property and shapeestablished by an expansion process. The supporting body may be apartial piece of the tube 42 with a length 18 (FIG. 5), which is cutfrom the tube 42, e.g., by laser cutting. The tube 42 may be impregnatedwith a polymer, e.g., a PLGA (PLGA=polylactic-co-glycolic acid)) whichcontains a drug, e.g., has an anti-inflammatory and/or antiproliferativeeffect.

FIGS. 3 a to 3 d show advantageous embodiments of a preferred cord 30(FIG. 3 a) in which a sheath 36 comprising one or more fiber strands 10is arranged around a core 34 (FIGS. 3 c, 3 d). The core 34 may itselfconsist of one or more fiber strands 10 (FIG. 3 d) and the sheath 36 maybe made of a material having at least one core 34 enclosed by a sheath36. One or more fiber strands 10 may be surrounded by a matrix material22 (FIG. 3 b).

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show an advantageous embodiment of a flat fiber bodyin the form of a sheeting 44 comprising a plurality of fiber strands 10.One or more ribbons 40 having the desired dimensions may be cut out ofsuch sheeting 44 to form a supporting body 100 (FIG. 5), for example,which is then converted to the desired geometry. Such sheeting 44 mayalso be formed directly from individual fibers 12.

A preferred supporting body 100 is illustrated as tube 42 in FIG. 5. Thetube 42 is cut to size from a plurality of ribbons 40 from the mat 44,for example, and has been knitted to the desired length and desireddiameter. It is also conceivable for sheeting 44 to be shaped directlyto form the desired supporting body 100. A cord as illustrated in FIGS.3 a-3 e may of course also be processed to form a supporting body 100.The shape, stability and drug loading of the supporting body 100 mayadvantageously be tailored to the intended purpose provided for thesupporting body 100.

If necessary, the supporting body 100 thereby formed may be treated witha drug-loaded polymer, e.g., by impregnation. In comparison with thelength 18 of the supporting body 100, the individual fiber lengths 16(FIG. 1 c) are much shorter, and in comparison with the transversedimensions, the transverse dimensions, e.g., diameter of the individualfibers 12, are considerably thinner than the diameter of the supportingbody 100.

1. A fiber strand for an implantable supporting body (100), comprisingat least two individual fibers (12), characterized in that the at leasttwo individual fibers (12) are each shorter in their longitudinal extentthan the longitudinal extent (14) of the fiber strand and theirtransverse extent is thinner than the transverse extent (16) of thefiber strand, further wherein the fiber strand comprises two or moreregions along a longitudinal extent that differ in a mechanical propertyselected from the group consisting of flexibility, mechanical strength,elasticity and rigidity.
 2. The fiber strand according to claim 1,comprising three fibers (12), wherein the individual fibers (12) areeach shorter in their longitudinal extent than longitudinal extent (14)of the fiber strand and in their transverse extent they are thinner thana transverse extent (16) of the fiber strand.
 3. The fiber strandaccording to claim 2, characterized in that more than five individualfibers (12) or more than sixteen individual fibers (12) are provided,wherein the more than five or sixteen individual fibers (12) are eachshorter in their longitudinal extent than longitudinal extent (14) ofthe fiber strand and in their transverse extent they are thinner than atransverse extent (16) of the fiber strand.
 4. The fiber strandaccording to claim 1, characterized in that, a ratio of longitudinalextent of the individual fiber to the longitudinal extent (14) of thefiber strand is between a range of 2:1 and 200,000:1 or between a rangeof 10:1 and 100,000:1; or a ratio of individual fiber transverse extentto fiber strand transverse extend (16) is in a range between 2:1 and200,000:1 or between 10:1 and 100,000:1.
 5. The fiber strand accordingto claim 1, characterized in that, at least one of the individual fibers(12) comprises a material of comprising carbon or a carbonaceousmaterial; or at least one of the individual fibers (12) is made of ametallic material comprising at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of Fe, Cr, Co, Wo, Ni, Zn, Mg, Ti, Mn, Pt, Mo, Ta, Ir, Ag,and Au in crystalline, partially crystalline or amorphous structure; orat least one of the individual fibers (12) is made of at least oneceramic material comprising at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of Br, I, Zr, Al, N, F, Si, Ga, Ti, O, Au and Ag incrystalline, partially crystalline or amorphous structure.
 6. The fiberstrand according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual fibers(12) are treated with a matrix material (22).
 7. The fiber strandaccording to claim 6, characterized in that the matrix material (22)comprises at least one substance selected from the group consisting of alipid regulator, an immunosuppressant, a vasodilator, a calcium channelblocker, a calcineurin inhibitor, an antiphlogistics, ananti-inflammatory, an anti-allergic, an oligonucleotide, an estrogen, anendothelializing agent, a steroid, a protein or peptide, a proliferationinhibitor, an analgesic, an antirheumatic, paclitaxel, rapamycin,optionally characterized in that the matrix material is loaded with amember selected from the group consisting of a polymer, anonresorbable/permanent polymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, a poly-amide,a polyether imide, polyether sulfone, poly(iso)butylene, polyvinylchloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane,polybutylene terephthalate, a silicone, polyphosphazene, or a polymerfoam, optionally further characterized in that the polymer is loadedwith a member selected from the group consisting of aresorbable/bioresorbable/degradable polymer, copolymer or a blend, atriblock copolymer, a polysaccharide, polyhydroxy valerate, ethylvinylacetate, polyethylene oxide, polyphos-phorylcholine, fibrin, albumin,and polyhydroxybutyric acid.
 8. The fiber strand according to claim 7,characterized in that the lipid regulator is a fibrate; the vasodilatoris a sartan; the calcineurin inhibitor is tacrolimus; the antiphlogisticis cortisone or diclofenac; the anti-inflammatory is imidazole; theoligonucleotide is dODN; the estrogen is genistein; the endothelializingagent is fibrin; the nonresorbable/permanent polymer is selected fromthe group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride,and polyacrylate, wherein the polyacrylate is selected from the groupconsisting of polyethyl or polymethyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate,polymethyl-co-ethyl-acrylate, and ethylene/ethyl acrylate; thepolytetrafluoroethylene is ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer;the poly-amide is selected from the group consisting of polyamide imide,PA-11, PA-12, PA46, or PA-66; the polymer foams is from a carbonate orstyrene; the polymer loaded with resorbable/bioresorbable/degradablepolymer is selected from the group consisting of polydioxanone,polyglycolide, polycaprolactone, polylactide, poly-L-lactide,poly-D,L-lactide; the copolymer or blend is selected from the groupconsisting of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide),poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide),poly(L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate); the polysaccharide isselected from the group consisting of chitosan, levan, hyaluronic acid,heparin, dextran, and cellulose; and the polyhydroxybutyric acid isselected from the group consisting of atactic, isotactic, syndiotactic,and a blend thereof.
 9. The fiber strand according to claim 7,characterized in that the polymer is formed from at least one monomerselected from the group consisting of a lactide, a glycolide, aparadioxanone, a caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, caprolactone, anda mixture thereof or a copolymer thereof.
 10. The fiber strand accordingto claim 1, characterized in that the individual fibers (12) are joinedtogether by twisting, braiding or weaving, by a three-dimensionalstructure selected from the group consisting of a tube (42), a shellstructure that is closed or at least open on one side, and a rodstructure (44).
 11. The fiber strand according to claim 1, characterizedin that the individual fibers (12) or at least parts of the fiber strand(10) are degradable or absorbable.
 12. A fiber body comprising aplurality of fiber strands according to claim 1, wherein the fiber bodyforms a member selected from the group consisting of a cord (30), aribbon (40), a tube (42), and a mat (44).
 13. The fiber body accordingto claim 12, characterized in that the individual fibers or at leastparts of the fiber strand cords are degradable or absorbable.
 14. Animplantable supporting body (100) of at least two fiber strands (10)according to claim
 1. 15. The implantable supporting body (100)according to claim 14, wherein the at least two fiber strands (10)comprise a plurality of fiber strands (10), further wherein theimplantable supporting body (100) comprises a core and a sheath eachformed by two or more of the plurality of fiber strands (10).
 16. Animplantable supporting body (100) of at least two cords (30) accordingto claim
 12. 17. The implantable supporting body (100) according toclaim 16, wherein the least two cords (30) surrounds a core formed byanother plurality of fiber strands (10).